Kingsway Girls Soccer 2007

Where cleats pound the unmarked fall soccer fields and fresh lady dragon legs are running at full speed, that is where you’ll find Coach John Kodluk. Kodluk has been here for 10 years and has been the head coach for the past six seasons. Kodluk does not do it all by himself. He has a fine compliment of assistant and volunteer coaches. Coach Tony Iamurri handles the team’s strength and conditioning.

“Medical miracle” Coach Tom Worrell is a graduate of Kingsway. They call him medical miracle because he was in a serious accident at one point in his life and the doctors told him he would never walk again. Well, not only is Worrell walking, he’s also a great assistant coach. He is quite an inspiration to the entire team.

Ali Shelley is the goal keeping coach. Antionette Evangelista, who is affectionately known as “Coach E” assist all the squads as a floater.

When I interviewed Kodluk the team’s record was 2-5. However, he said the outlook for the season is still bright and they hope to finish about .500 going into the post season.

The 2-5 record doesn’t reflect this team’s capabilities. In fact, this team has, according to Kodluk, been his greatest coaching pleasure ever.

Last years team was good. Their record was 7-9-3. A lot of the seniors who graduated from that team are now playing in college. The Lady Dragons lost 10 seniors last year, so it’s a bit of a rebuilding year.

Senior defensive captain Elise Allan leads the defense for Kingsway. Her size and physical presence is her strength.

Senior goal keeper and captain Samatha Iamurri spent the last three years backing up Melissa Sanger who is now a Division 1 goal keeper in college.

Senior striker and captain Leah Caney leads the team in goal and can be very intimidating on the field.

Senior Ashley Kodluk plays defense and midfield. Ashley organizes the whole team and is a true leader on and off the field.

Senior Lauren Gray plays back. “Gray is very quick and strong. She keeps the opponents away from the goal,” says Kodluk.

“Senior midfield Ashley Gilman is hard working and a very crafty midfielder,” he added.

Senior midfielder Shawna Bilckle is a smooth distributor and easily gets the ball around the field to her teammates according to Kodluk. Senior midfielder Lacey Smith, midfielder has superior knowledge of the game and is very technically sound.

Senior striker Jasmin Rivera has the unique distinction of getting a point in every game she plays coming in from the bench.

“Senior Kristen Monaco is a tough and determined player,” said Kodluk. “However, you’d never know it from her size, she is like a spark plug,” he added.

Senior goal tender Sara Miraglia is hardworking and dedicated. She backs up Samatha Iamurri.

Some up-and-comers worth mentioning are sophomore defender Liz Faulkner. “She is already as big and strong as most seniors,” said Kodluk.

Sophomore Kelsey McLaughlin is a midfield who once scored 16 seconds into the game.

Sophomore Liz Locke can play midfield and defense. “Locke is extremely versatile and coachable – she will be a huge part of the team for years to come,” said Kodluk.

Kodluk expects the team to be ready to go to the playoffs. He is extremely proud of his team and the coaches. “The girls are winners on and off the field and I’m proud of each and every one of them,” concluded Kodluk.